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Digestive & Abdominal Problems,
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Cats vomit often, generally to get rid of fur balls. If vomiting is frequent, and accompanied by other signs, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy, it may be the symptom of a more serious problem. Consult a veterinarian immediately. Cats that run too fast regurgitate the food a short time after ingesting it. Persistent regurgitation may be an indication of disease or blockage of the esophagus and deserves a check up.
- Treatment: withhold food and stimulate your cat to drink water to not dehydrate. Don't give it milk. Once vomiting has stopped, feed it a soft diet of white meat or fish, mixed with some rice, during the next 24 hours.
Diarrhea
Moderate diarrhea can be caused by inadequate food, an abrupt change in diet, a bacterial infection, parasites, or allergy to cow milk. Severe cases can be caused by food poisoning, feline enteritis or liver disease and can lead to dehydration. If the diarrhea is persistent, contains blood or is accompanied by vomiting, consult your veterinarian. Diarrhea in kittens is caused by parasites or inadequate feeding.
- Treatment: withhold food from your cat for a few hours to let the stomach rest, then introduce small quantities of cooked chicken or fish. Administer large quantities of water, but not milk. Parasites must be treated with veterinarian preparations.
Constipation
This is caused by a blockage of fur balls in the stomach. In some cases, older inactive cats can suffer from constipation due to loss of muscular tone in the stomach.
- Symptoms: the cat seems lethargic and will strain to make a deposition. It is important to differentiate between strain caused by constipation and strain due to a urinary obstruction, which is a very serious condition.
- Treatment: administer liquid paraffin. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Fur Balls
These are an accumulation of hair in the stomach as a result of constant licking of the fur when grooming. Normally, the cat eats grass and vomits the fur ball. If it is too big it can cause a blockage in the intestines, producing recurring vomits and digestive problems. A cat with fur balls will make many visits to the food bowl, but will only ingest small amount in each opportunity.
- Treatment: feed the cat with oily fish, like sardines or mackerel, once a week to facilitate passing fur balls. There is malt flavored medicine available which is attractive to cats. Another medicine is olive oil or liquid paraffin: administer a teaspoon a day during three days. Regular grooming helps prevent hair balls.
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